A Government minister has confirmed Leeds City Council will have to prove “exceptional circumstances” before green belt sites in Wharfedale and Aireborough can be allocated for housing.

Parliamentary Under Secretary for Planning Nick Boles, replying to a question from Otley's MP Greg Mulholland (pictured), also stressed the authority would have to consult “extensively” to gain residents’ support before such changes could happen.

The Labour-run council is currently consulting on its latest draft of a Sites Allocation Plan which would result in thousands of new homes being built – on a mixture of brownfield, greenfield, and green belt plots – in Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale, Bramhope, Horsforth and Aireborough.